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The Artic Incident (Artemis Fowl, #2)
by Eoin Colfer
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Meanwhile, down in the underground world, chaos has arisen. An unknown traitor has stolen forbidden weapons and armed a horde of trolls, setting them loose to wreak havoc on the citizens. Clues lead Captain Holly Short straight to Artemis, and she exacts a small bit of revenge by kidnapping him, just as he once kidnapped her. But soon she learns that Artemis isn’t behind the chaos, and if she’s to have any hope of stopping it, she will need his help. As a result, these onetime adversaries must now join forces—a mix that proves to be both charming and volatile.
I enjoyed The Artic Incident more than Artemis Fowl, because Artemis and Holly work together in this one (and I think for the duration of the series). It's more fun watching these two as a team, as opposed to villain and victim. Artemis and his bodyguard (Butler) had a tenuous relationship with the Folk going into this one, but now they are forever bonded. Also, Mulch has to be one of my all-time favorite characters. He's a kleptomaniac dwarf with a butt flap, which is enough on its own to make him interesting.
There were a lot more goblins in The Artic Incident, and my son would giggle whenever it mentioned one of them licking their eyeballs (so gross, I know). Foaly is clever, sarcastic and funny. I think this book did amazing things for his oversized ego, and Root is simply amazing. I love his fungus cigars and quick temper, and his heart is always in the right place. If you're looking for a series to read with your kiddos (or even to recommend to them), this one is fun and enjoyable!
Synopsis (via Goodreads): This explosive miniseries climax is a high-octane magical battle of good versus evil, as the remaining Magic Order wizards make a last stand against Madame Albany and the forces of darkness. Family bonds are tested, blood is spilled, and black magic threatens life as we know it.
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I enjoyed The Artic Incident more than Artemis Fowl, because Artemis and Holly work together in this one (and I think for the duration of the series). It's more fun watching these two as a team, as opposed to villain and victim. Artemis and his bodyguard (Butler) had a tenuous relationship with the Folk going into this one, but now they are forever bonded. Also, Mulch has to be one of my all-time favorite characters. He's a kleptomaniac dwarf with a butt flap, which is enough on its own to make him interesting.
There were a lot more goblins in The Artic Incident, and my son would giggle whenever it mentioned one of them licking their eyeballs (so gross, I know). Foaly is clever, sarcastic and funny. I think this book did amazing things for his oversized ego, and Root is simply amazing. I love his fungus cigars and quick temper, and his heart is always in the right place. If you're looking for a series to read with your kiddos (or even to recommend to them), this one is fun and enjoyable!
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The Magic Order #6 (of 6) by Mark Millar,
Olivier Coipel (Illustrator)
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This was the final issue in the The Magic Order series, and it did not disappoint! I'm starting to really appreciate Mark Millar's writing and the way he tells a story.
I thought the overall series wrapped up nicely, although there is definitely room for more. It's one of the darker comics I've read (gory and violent), so beware if that's not your thing. Typically, it's not mine either, but the story was really engaging and interesting. I have no regrets!
The Magic Order primarily focuses on family and shows how complicated and messy those relationships can be.
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Magic Slays, Gunmetal Magic, and Magic Rises (Kate Daniels, #5, 5.5, 6) by Ilona Andrews
Narrated by Renee Raudman (sooo good!)
Narrated by Renee Raudman (sooo good!)
Find the synopsis for Gunmetal Magic here.
Find the synopsis for Magic Rises here.
I'm reviewing these three simultaneously, because I'm flying through this series! Additionally, I don't like to say very much about the books that fall in the middle. I'm too worried I'll spoil something that happened previously! However, I feel like something needs to be said, because I am really loving all of the Kate Daniels books. Even Gunmetal Magic, a book from Andrea's perspective, was amazing. I'm so happy they decided to write a book from her point of view!
It's hard to choose a favorite character, because I honestly love them all! Kate's fierce determination, Curran's unwavering presence, Andrea's sweet southern accent (only when she wants something), Roman's hilarious "dark" side, everything about Aunt B, Jim's need to be puurrrfect, Doolittle's endless sweet tea and kind heart, Ascanio's antics and enthusiasm, Derek's loyalty and stoicism -- I could go on and on! They are all so uniquely different, and I love learning new things about them as the story progresses (there are other characters I didn't name, but that are equally awesome).
I get a little annoyed with the repeated information, although I know it's for a new reader's benefit. You can pick up any book in this series and enjoy it without having read any of the books before it. A lot of the story would make more sense if read consecutively, and they do somewhat depend on each other, but each book is able to stand on its own (which I love). However, that does mean hearing (since I'm listening to the audiobooks) some of the same information over and over again. Why Derek's face is no longer pretty, for example. He was only in Gunmetal Magic for a few seconds, yet something horrible from his past is explained in great detail for the umpteenth time (I would rather forget it ever happened, to be honest).
Ilona Andrews is an amazing author duo, and I have loved every single thing I've read by them. I recently ordered all of the books in this series, because I wanted physical copies for my shelves. Kate Daniels is that good. Pinky swear! The details are ridiculous and insanely convincing, the fight scenes make me feel anxious, even though rationally I know there are more books, so most of the characters have to be okay. I really like everything about the Pack, including the mating frenzy (some of the tricks that are played are hilarious). Simply put, it's a fantastic series! Read it!
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Oliver #1 by Gary Whitta,
Darick Robertson (Illustrator)
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Synopsis (via Goodreads): In this totally new take on a literary classic, Charles Dickens’ most famous orphan is reimagined as a post-apocalyptic superhero fighting to liberate a war-ravaged England while searching for the truth about his own mysterious origins.
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I really liked the premise for this one, but I'm unsure how I feel about it after just one issue. I know new stories like this require a lot of setup and world-building, which is why I'm willing to give Oliver another chance to win me over. I'm interested, but not entirely convinced it's going to work for me.
Goblins licking their eyeballs..I'd probably be giggling too. Thanks for the mini reviews.
ReplyDeleteI think it's because they don't have eyelids and they need to moisten their eyes. Regardless, it's gross! Haha. Have you read the Kate Daniels series, Mary? Based on some of the other books you've reviewed, I think it's one you'd enjoy! :)
DeleteLooks like some good books! That's awesome. I am really curious about The Magic Order. Need to find those, I think.
ReplyDelete-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.net
It has a really interesting story! There is a lot of violence and death, but the ending was really something. Also, there is an issue that talks about abortion, if that's something you would rather not read about.
DeleteArtemis Fowl is still one of my favourite Middle Grade series (series over all, really)! Any plans on seeing the movie when it comes out?
ReplyDeletePercy Jackson might be my favorite middle grade series, but I'm REALLY loving Gregor the Overlander! We're only on the second book in the series, and it's my first time reading through them, but it's sooo good. However, Artemis Fowl is always enjoyable! I saw the trailer for the movie, but I'm not sure if I want to watch it. I really didn't like the Percy Jackson movie (I've only seen the first one), and hated how much of the story they changed. Even Annabeth's hair was a different color, which shouldn't have been a difficult detail to get right. The Artemis Fowl trailer has already shown some differences (like Root being a female), so I'm iffy on it. What about you?
DeleteMy son and I read the first Artemis Fowl book when he was in fifth grade and we liked it, but neither one of us felt compelled to continue the series. Lately I have been wondering if I should give it another shot. ๐
ReplyDeleteArtemis Fowl isn't a series I want to sit and read back-to-back, but one I want to take my time with. The books are enjoyable and fun, but I think I would get bored with the story/world if I read them too frequently. I don't remember feeling that way as a kid, so it could easily be my adult brain! My son is enjoying them, and that's what's important. :)
DeleteI love Ilona Andrews so much! I did read some Artemis fowl when I was younger. The others are new to me
ReplyDeleteIlona Andrews is amazing! Do you have a favorite book by them? <3
DeleteOh cool there is a character name Roman in Kate Daniels series. Good strong name as it is my grandsons name.
ReplyDeleteYes! He's a really interesting character. I hope he gets his own book in the future (like Andrea and Hugh). :)
DeleteI read the first Artemis Fowl book years and years ago and don't remember a single thing about it. I guess it didn't make a big impression even back then because I never chose to continue the series. It just didn't grab me, I guess. I wish I'd had a better first experience with Ilona Andrews. But I disliked the audiobook so badly that it basically soured me on anything to do with her. LOL
ReplyDeleteTanya! You're breaking my heart! Renee Raudman really grew on me after the first book, but I did struggle with the narration at the beginning. However, I started with their Hidden Legacy series, so I was used to it by the time I started Kate Daniels. Now I cannot imagine them any other way! If you disliked the audio, I would suggest reading a physical copy. The story is goooood (but it's okay if it's not your thing)! ;)
DeleteArtemis Fowl isn't as memorable as some of the other books/series I've read, but there's always a nice familiarity when I go back to them. They're also a fun and quick read for the kiddos! <3
One day I might back and try to read a physical copy of a different Andrews series. But no more audio from Raudman. Oh my gosh, I seriously took an instant dislike to her narration and it really did ruin the book for me. Ugh. Thank goodness there are narrators out there for everyone - just like there are books for every taste. :)
DeleteTruth! I'm on my eighth Kate Daniels book (that's including Gunmetal Magic from Andrea's perspective), and have read everything in the Hidden Legacy series so far. Renee Raudman has narrated them all. I now associate Raudman's voice with Ilona Andrews, haha. I can't help it! Like I said before, Raudman's voice rubbed me the wrong way initially, but now I wouldn't want anyone else. Funny how that works, huh? However, she did change one of the character's voices in this last book, which has really bugged me.
DeleteDon't me to be miss nosy/busy body here, but I have to say that I didn't like Rene's narration of the first book either. Her male voices almost killed me! However, she changed and seriously improved, IMO, after that. Now I love her narration and I can't think of Kate Daniels without her narration! I'd give her another shot, Tanya. Maybe get a library copy so you don't have to fork out the money just in case she's still a no-go for you. :)
DeleteWhat she said! There was something weird about the audio for the first book, but everything after has been great! Something clicked for me, and now Raudman is essentially Kate for me. <3
DeleteThe Magic Order looks like something I'd like. Stormi and I are doing a year long buddy read of all the Kate Daniels books this year and I'm currently reading book #2 now. I do like her a lot and have a feeling they will only get better.
ReplyDeleteDark and disturbing, but with a good story? Yes! ;)
DeleteThe Kate Daniels books DO get better and better! I really love when more characters are introduced, because they're all so amazing. Ilona Andrews writes both stories and characters really well. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have! <3
I'm sooooo excited that you're loving Kate Daniels!! All the characters are unique and fun. Ascanio cracks me the heck up and I just love Derek! I hope we get a spin-off with him. He did get his own little book that I highly recommend. I totally enjoyed Andrea's book as well! :)
ReplyDeleteI just finished the seventh book! My library doesn't have any of the audiobooks for the rest of the series, so I've already ordered physical copies! I need to know what happens!! I really loved the short story about Julie that we get at the end of book seven, and I hope we learn more about the people she interacted with. I loved Andrea's book! She has such an awesome personality. :)
DeleteI'm working my way through the spinoffs when I can find them!
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